Dental tray with encapsulated fluid

ABSTRACT

A dental tray with encapsulated fluid that includes an arched tray frame having a bottom surface spanning a tray length separating ends of the tray frame, an outer sidewall spanning the tray length, with an upper edge, and with an inner sidewall surface, an inner sidewall spanning the tray length, with an upper edge, and with an inner sidewall surface. The inner sidewall surfaces of the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall and the bottom surface of the tray frame define a tray channel spanning the tray length and the continuous tray channel has a teeth applicator fluid housed therein. The tray frame also includes a flexible cover selectively removably coupled to the upper edges of the outer and inner sidewalls of the tray frame in a hermetically sealed configuration to encapsulate the teeth applicator fluid.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/359,670 filed on Mar. 20, 2019, which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to dental trays, and, moreparticularly, relates to dental trays with teeth applicator fluiddisposed therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Whether for self-confidence, health, normal dental maintenance, oralhygiene, or other reasons, many users desire to clean and/or whitentheir teeth. However, many known methods to effectuate the same requirethe user to visit his or her dental office. These visit(s) require theuser to set aside significant time to accomplish the same and are oftencostly. As such, many alternatives to clean and/or whiten a user's teethhave been developed. Some of these alternatives include trays, strips,and toothpastes.

Many strips and toothpastes do not provide adequate or effectivecleaning or desired whitening effects. As such, many users employ theuse of whitening or cleaning trays. Based on the fluid typically usedwith dental trays, many of those known trays require the user to customfit a tray to a user's teeth, namely the facial and occlusal surfaces,in order to be effective. Disadvantageously, the fitting process is atime- and cost-intensive process. Those dental trays that are not customfitted, are of a material that is typically made of a flexible materialthat is configured to mold to a user's teeth. Regardless the form, thoseknown dental trays generally require a user to separately bring acleaning or whitening fluid for insertion within a cavity or channeldefined by the dental tray before use.

Sometimes those cleaning or whitening applicator fluids are housedwithin an encapsulated tube for single one-time use, while others arehoused within a tube or other container for selective disbursement by auser in the dental tray. Problematically, many users often over-fill orunder-fill the dental tray with the applicator fluid. If the tray isunder-filled, the desired cleaning or whitening effect is notaccomplished. If the tray is over-filled, the user often experiencesnegative or adverse health effects or is uncomfortable after use. In anattempt to solve said problem, some known dental trays, e.g., U.S. Pat.No. 7,568,579 (Moore), come pre-packaged with a tooth applicator fluid.Those packages include a packaging body with a selectively removablecover, wherein the dental tray is disposed therein. Problematically,these packaging units require more material to produce, thereby makingthem more expensive than consumers desire. Additionally, the applicatorfluid disposed on the dental tray is prone to exiting the dental tray ifthe package is not oriented correctly or moved around excessively.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art asdiscussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a dental tray with encapsulated fluid thatovercomes the herein aforementioned disadvantages of theheretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and thateffectively and efficiently houses a predetermined amount of cleaning orwhitening fluid within using a selectively removable cover coupledthereto.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, inaccordance with the invention, a dental tray with encapsulated teethapplicator fluid that has a substantially rigid arched tray frame with afront end, a rear end opposing the front end, a tray length separatingthe front and rear sides, a bottom surface spanning the tray length, anouter sidewall spanning the tray length, with an upper edge, and with aninner sidewall surface, and an inner sidewall spanning the tray length,with an upper edge, and with an inner sidewall surface. The innersidewall surfaces of the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall and thebottom surface of the tray frame defines a tray channel spanning thetray length, wherein the tray channel has a teeth applicator fluidhoused therein. A flexible cover is selectively removably coupled to theupper edges of the outer and inner sidewalls of the tray frame in ahermetically sealed configuration to encapsulate the teeth applicatorfluid.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, theflexible cover is free of any apertures, is substantially planar, and isof at least one of a polymeric or metallic aluminum alloy material.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes an adhesive material interposed between and directlycoupled to the flexible cover and the outer and inner sidewalls of thetray frame.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, theouter and inner sidewalls are continuously coupled together to enclosethe tray channel.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the traychannel continuously spans the tray length.

In accordance with yet another feature, an additional embodiment of thepresent invention includes the flexible cover having a perimeter edgecontouring and aligned with the upper edges of the outer and innersidewalls.

In accordance with a further feature, an additional embodiment of thepresent invention includes the tray channel having a tray channelvolume, wherein the teeth applicator fluid makes up at least 90% of thetray channel volume.

In accordance with further feature of the present invention, the teethapplicator fluid is disposed proximal to the upper edges of the outerand inner sidewalls.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes a tray removal tab including a first end directlycoupled to the front end of the tray frame, a second free terminal end;and an upper surface with a plurality of ridges disposed thereon.

Also in accordance with the present invention, a dental tray withencapsulated teeth applicator fluid is disclosed that includes asubstantially rigid arched tray frame having a front side, a rear endopposing the front side, a tray length separating the front and rearsides, a bottom surface spanning the tray length, an outer sidewallspanning the tray length, with an upper edge, and with an inner sidewallsurface, an inner sidewall spanning the tray length, with an upper edge,and with an inner sidewall surface. The inner sidewall surfaces of theouter sidewall and the inner sidewall and the bottom surface of the trayframe define a tray channel spanning the tray length, wherein the traychannel has a teeth applicator fluid housed therein and the upper edgesof the outer and inner sidewalls define an upper perimeter tray edge.The assembly also includes a flexible cover selectively removablycoupled to the upper edges of the outer and inner sidewalls of the trayframe in a sealed configuration to encapsulate the teeth applicatorfluid and of a shape that contours the upper perimeter tray edge.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodiedin a dental tray with encapsulated fluid, it is, nevertheless, notintended to be limited to the details shown because variousmodifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detailor will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of theinvention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodimentsof the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of theinvention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandabledescription of the invention. While the specification concludes withclaims defining the features of the invention that are regarded asnovel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood froma consideration of the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one ormore than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as twoor more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term“providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g.,bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/orsupplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at onceor over a period of time. Also, for purposes of description herein, theterms “upper”, “lower”, “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof relate to the invention asoriented in the figures and is not to be construed as limiting anyfeature to be a particular orientation, as said orientation may bechanged based on the user's perspective of the device. Furthermore,there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theorypresented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary orthe following detailed description.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document,the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a directioncorresponding to an elongated direction of the dental tray, from a frontend of the tray to the rear end of the tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dental tray with an encapsulated teethapplicator fluid according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along section line 1-1 of the dentaltray in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dental tray in FIG. 1 with the coverpartially removed therefrom;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dental tray in FIG. 1 with the covercompletely removed therefrom;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the dental tray in FIG. 1 with the coverand applicator fluid completely removed therefrom; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a maxillary portion and mandibular portion of auser's teeth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood thatthe disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, whichcan be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a novel and effective dental tray with anencapsulated teeth applicator fluid. Embodiments of the inventionprovide a portable, easily transportable, efficiently manufactured andassembled, and effective dental tray frame with an applicator fluidhoused therein for selective use by a user by removing a cover directlycoupled to the dental frame.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, one embodiment of the present invention isshown in a perspective view. FIGS. 1-2 show several advantageousfeatures of the present invention, but, as will be described below, theinvention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations offeatures and components, and varying numbers and functions of thecomponents. The first example of a dental tray with selectivelyremovable cover 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a substantially rigidarched tray frame 102 with a selectively removable cover 104. The dentaltray frame 102 includes a front end 200, a rear end 202 opposing thefront end 200, a tray length 204 separating the front and rear ends 200,202, a bottom surface 204 spanning the tray length, an outer sidewall208, and an inner sidewall 210. It should be understood that terms suchas, “front,” “rear,” “side,” top,” “bottom,” and the like are indicatedfrom the reference point of a viewer viewing the dental tray 100 from atop of the device. Additionally, the term “wall” is intended broadly toencompass continuous structures, as well as, separate structures thatare coupled together to form a substantially continuous external surfaceas shown in the figures.

In one embodiment, the dental tray frame is of a polymeric material,e.g., polyurethane. Other materials that are generally water resistantand durable, however, are contemplated. The frame 102 is substantiallyrigid in that it may be flexible, but generally holds or retains itsshape when subjected to normal compression and/or tensile forces withina user's mouth. In one embodiment, the frame 102 has a hardness ofapproximately 60-95 Shore A and 40-60 Shore D. In other embodiments, thehardness may range outside of said range. As those of skill in the artwill appreciate, the longitudinal length 204 of the frame 102 may beapproximately 2.5-3 inches, may have a width separating opposing sidesof the frame 102 of approximately 3-3.5 inches, and may have an overallheight separating the bottom surface 206 and upper edge 212 of thesidewall 208 of approximately 0.5 inches.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2 and FIGS. 4-5, the outer and inner sidewalls208, 210 may span the tray length 204 and each have an upper edge, i.e.,edges 212, 214, and an inner sidewall surface, i.e., sidewall surfaces500, 502. The inner sidewall surfaces 500, 502 and the bottom surface206 of the tray frame 102 define a tray channel 504 that also spans thetray length 504, albeit in a generally arcuate shape to facilitate auser's teeth. The tray channel 504 forms a volume, e.g., 4-5 in³ or60-70 mL, where a teeth applicator fluid 216 is housed therein. In oneembodiment, the tray channel 504 is continuous, while in otherembodiments it may include partitions, making it discontinuous.

In one embodiment, the outer and inner sidewalls 208, 210 arecontinuously coupled together to enclose the tray channel 504, therebyproviding a substantially planar support surface for the cover 104 toattach thereto. The continuous sidewall is best shown in FIG. 5. Inother embodiments, however, the ends 506, 508 of the sidewalls may beopen, thereby spatially coupling the tray channel 504 with an ambientenvironment. In said embodiment, the cover 104 would extend downwardlyat the ends 506, 508 to seal the tray channel 504 and the teethapplicator fluid 216 employed would be of a sufficient viscosity toresist exiting the openings when the cover 104 is removed by the user.The upper edges 212, 214 may also define an upper perimeter tray edge510.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the flexible cover 104 is operablyconfigured to be selectively removably coupled to the upper edges 212,214 of the outer and inner sidewalls 208, 210 in a hermetically sealedconfiguration to encapsulate the teeth applicator fluid 216. Thehermetically sealed configuration is best seen in FIGS. 1-2, whereinFIG. 3 depicts the cover 104 partially removed from the tray frame 102.Said another way, the flexible cover 104 may have a cover translationpath (represented by arrow 300) caused by an impetus of a user. Thecover translation path 300 may be linear, curvilinear or another pathshape. As the cover 104 may be hermetically sealed or in a watertightseal, the flexible cover 104 may be generally free of any apertures. Thecover 104 may also be is substantially planar in one embodiment. Inother embodiments, as exemplified above with respect to coveringpotentially open ends 506, 508, it may have another shape to effectivelyseal the tray channel 504.

In one embodiment, the teeth applicator fluid 216 is of a medicament gelor liquid material, such as a peroxide-based gel or liquid, sodiumperborate, or a fluoride-based gel or liquid. The gel may be of anaqueous solution of the medicament and pharmaceutically acceptable,non-toxic additive, such as aqueous gelling agents, humectants,surfactants, coloring or whitening agents, chlorophyll compounds,flavoring agents, preservatives, stabilizers, sweeteners, dyes, and/orpH modifying agents. Additionally, suitable medicaments also includeantimicrobial treatment agents. Suitable antimicrobial agents include,but are not limited to, quaternary ammonium compounds suchascetylpyridinium chloride, domiphen bromide, benzethonium chloride, andthe like; antibiotics and related drugs. When encapsulated within thetray channel 214, the teeth applicator fluid 216 will beneficiallyremain effective, unreleased, retained, and uncontaminated while thedental tray assembly 100 is in transport or carried around by a user. Assuch, the teeth applicator fluid 216 may be also be utilized for theprevention of different gum and teeth diseases. The teeth applicatorfluid 216 may also help in healing scaring on gums and other medicinalbenefits.

The cover 104 may be a flexible material, such as a polymeric materialor a metallic material. More specifically, in one embodiment, the cover104 may be of a plastic material such as a low-density polyethylene, alinear polyethylene, Mylar®, or other suitable moldable plasticmaterial. In other embodiments, the cover 104, or liner, may be of athin-walled aluminum alloy or other metal or alloys thereof. In furtherembodiments, the cover 104, or liner, may be of a paper, e.g., craftpaper or treated paper, or laminates of the above materials.

The cover 104 may be directly coupled to the upper edges 212, 214 of thesidewalls 208, 210 with an adhesive material. Said another way, theadhesive may be interposed between and directly coupled to the flexiblecover 104 and the outer and inner sidewalls 208, 210 of the tray frame102. To effectuate the same, after or before the teeth applicator fluid216 is placed within the tray channel 504, an adhesive material will beplaced around the periphery or perimeter 302 of the cover 104 and/or theedges 212, 214 of the sidewalls 208, 210. Thereafter, the cover 104 andtray 102 will be compressed together in a sealing engagement. Theadhesive may be a hot-melt non-toxic adhesive coating, thereby bondingthe cover 104 to the tray frame 102 along the curved or arcuate shape ofthe tray 102 and/or cover 104. The sealing between the cover 104 andtray frame 102 may be accomplished by heat, by induction, or by rollingof adhesive coated on one or both sides of the cover 104 and/or trayframe 102. In other embodiments, the cover 104 and tray frame 102 may bebonded and coupled together using other coupling methods, e.g., welding.The hermetic joint formed between the cover 104 and tray frame 102 as itsurrounds a perimeter thereon may be sufficient to resist a tensileforce, i.e., a “cover resistant force,” of approximately I-2lbf. Inother embodiments, the cover resistant force may be outside of theI-2lbf range depending on design constraints and application.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the perimeter edge 302 of the cover 104 maycontour and be aligned with the upper edges 212, 214 to minimizematerial waste and ensure a secure seal between the cover 104 and thetray frame 102. Said another way, the flexible cover 104 may be shapedand sized to contour with the shape of the arched frame 102.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3 and 5, the sidewalls 208,210 may be in agenerally upright orientation spanning from the bottom surface 206 tothe upper edges 212, 214. The inner sidewall 210 may be disposed at anangle, e.g., approximately 140-150°, to accommodate a user's teeth. Theinner surfaces 500, 502 of the sidewalls 208, 208 and bottom surface 206may be substantially planar or may include inclusions or ridges helpretain a user's teeth. In one embodiment, the teeth applicator fluid 216may take up at least 90% of the tray channel volume. In preferredembodiments, the tray channel volume is approximately 95% filled withthe teeth applicator fluid 216 and the teeth applicator fluid 216 isdisposed proximal to (i.e., at or within 0.2 inches) the upper edges212, 214 of the outer and inner sidewalls 208, 210.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-3 and 4-6, an exemplary method of usingthe dental tray assembly 100 described above will be articulated. Morespecifically, the process may begin with a user receiving a trayassembly 100 with the teeth applicator fluid 216 encapsulated and sealedtherein. When desired for use, a user will completely remove the coveror liner 104, thereby exposing the teeth applicator fluid 216 to theambient environment. To facilitate handling of the tray frame 102, theframe 102 may include a tray removal tab 510 protruding therefrom. Morespecifically, the tray removal tab 510 may include a first end 512directly coupled to the front end 200 of the tray frame 102. The firstend 512 opposes a second free terminal end 514. The first end 512 may bepermanently or temporarily coupled to front end 200 using variousmanufacturing or assembly methods known to those of skill in the art. Toenable the user to have a secure grasp of the tab 510, a plurality ofridges 516 may disposed on an upper surface 518 thereof.

Thereafter, the user will place the tray frame 102 into his or her mouthsuch that the maxillary portion 600 or mandibular portion 602 of auser's teeth are inserted into the tray channel 504. Taking themaxillary portion 600 as an example, the sidewall 208 towards the frontend 200 of the tray frame 102 is placed adjacent and/or proximal to thefront facial side 604 of the user's teeth and the incisal of each user'steeth is placed adjacent and/or proximal to the bottom surface 206 ofthe tray frame 102. The sidewalls 208, 210 flanking the tray channel 504are placed adjacent and/or proximal to the respective facial sides andlingual sides of the user's teeth. The user will use the tray 102 for aperiod of time based on the type of the teeth applicator fluid 216housed in the tray frame 102 or as desired by the user. After use, theuser may then discard the tray frame 102, as the dental tray assembly100 is designed for one-time use.

Although a specific order of executing the process steps is describedabove, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to theorder shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps described insuccession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence insome embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake ofbrevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps can becombined into a single process.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer toparticular features, the scope of this disclosure also includesembodiments having different combinations of features and embodimentsthat do not include all of the above described features.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dental tray with encapsulated teeth applicatorfluid comprising: an arched tray frame having a front end, a rear endopposing the front end, a tray length separating the front and rearsides, a bottom surface spanning the tray length, an outer sidewallspanning the tray length, with an upper edge, and with an inner sidewallsurface, and an inner sidewall spanning the tray length, with an upperedge, and with an inner sidewall surface, the inner sidewall surfaces ofthe outer sidewall and the inner sidewall and the bottom surface of thetray frame defining a tray channel spanning the tray length, the traychannel having a teeth applicator fluid housed therein; and a flexiblecover selectively removably coupled to the upper edges of the outer andinner sidewalls of the tray frame in a hermetically sealed configurationto encapsulate the teeth applicator fluid.
 2. The dental tray withencapsulated teeth applicator fluid according to claim 1, wherein: theflexible cover is free of any apertures, is substantially planar, and isof at least one of a polymeric or metallic aluminum alloy material. 3.The dental tray with encapsulated teeth applicator fluid according toclaim 2, further compromising: an adhesive material interposed betweenand directly coupled to the flexible cover and the outer and innersidewalls of the tray frame, the tray frame of a substantially rigidmaterial.
 4. The dental tray with encapsulated teeth applicator fluidaccording to claim 3, wherein: the outer and inner sidewalls arecontinuously coupled together to enclose the tray channel.
 5. The dentaltray with encapsulated teeth applicator fluid according to claim 4,wherein: the tray channel continuously spans the tray length.
 6. Thedental tray with encapsulated teeth applicator fluid according to claim4, wherein the flexible cover further comprises: a perimeter edgecontouring and aligned with the upper edges of the outer and innersidewalls.
 7. The dental tray with encapsulated teeth applicator fluidaccording to claim 4, wherein the tray channel further defines: a traychannel volume, wherein the teeth applicator fluid makes up at least 90%of the tray channel volume.
 8. The dental tray with encapsulated teethapplicator fluid according to claim 7, wherein: the teeth applicatorfluid is disposed proximal to the upper edges of the outer and innersidewalls.
 9. The dental tray with encapsulated teeth applicator fluidaccording to claim 1, further compromising: a tray removal tab includinga first end directly coupled to the front end of the tray frame, asecond free terminal end; and an upper surface with a plurality ofridges disposed thereon.
 10. A dental tray with encapsulated teethapplicator fluid comprising: a substantially rigid arched tray framehaving a front side, a rear end opposing the front side, a tray lengthseparating the front and rear sides, a bottom surface spanning the traylength, an outer sidewall spanning the tray length, with an upper edge,and with an inner sidewall surface, an inner sidewall spanning the traylength, with an upper edge, and with an inner sidewall surface, theinner sidewall surfaces of the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall andthe bottom surface of the tray frame defining a tray channel spanningthe tray length, the tray channel having a teeth applicator fluid housedtherein, and the upper edges of the outer and inner sidewalls define anupper perimeter tray edge; and a flexible cover selectively removablycoupled to the upper edges of the outer and inner sidewalls of the trayframe in a sealed configuration to encapsulate the teeth applicatorfluid and of a shape that contours the upper perimeter tray edge. 11.The dental tray with encapsulated teeth applicator fluid according toclaim 10, wherein: the outer and inner sidewalls are continuouslycoupled together to enclose the tray channel.
 12. The dental tray withencapsulated teeth applicator fluid according to claim 11, wherein: thetray channel continuously spans the tray length.
 13. The dental traywith encapsulated teeth applicator fluid according to claim 11, furthercompromising: an adhesive material interposed between and directlycoupled to the flexible cover and the outer and inner sidewalls of thetray frame.
 14. The dental tray with encapsulated teeth applicator fluidaccording to claim 13, wherein the tray channel further defines: a traychannel volume, wherein the teeth applicator fluid makes up at least 90%of the tray channel volume.
 15. The dental tray with encapsulated teethapplicator fluid according to claim 14, wherein: the teeth applicatorfluid is disposed proximal to the upper edges of the outer and innersidewalls.
 16. The dental tray with encapsulated teeth applicator fluidaccording to claim 15, wherein: the flexible cover is coupled to theupper edges of the outer and inner sidewalls of the tray frame in ahermetically sealed configuration.
 17. The dental tray with encapsulatedteeth applicator fluid according to claim 16, further compromising: atray removal tab including a first end directly coupled to the front endof the tray frame, a second free terminal end; and an upper surface witha plurality of ridges disposed thereon.